Friday, December 09, 2005

Cheval Blanc

For more than 150 years, the vineyard where one of the finest wines is obtained comes from the property of Fourcaud-Laussac. Monsieur Ducasse acquired 15 hectares of land in 1832, followed by another acquisition of 15 hectares in the year 1837. In the year 1854 another 5 hectares were included in the land when Mademoiselle Ducasse married Fourcaud-Laussac. The land has never changed hands and has remained with the heirs of Fourcaud-Laussac.

Saint Emilion is situated in Bordeaux in the southeastern part of France, towards the north of the Dordogne River. Saint Emilion and the area surrounding it are famous for excellent wines that are produced by the vineyards known for Merlot grapes. Merlot has been mainly grown for its feature of ripening earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon. However, it is quite like Cabernet Sauvignon in many ways, being lower in tannins and maturing faster. Wines from the Merlot grapes are softer in texture. The region gets frost earlier than the Medoc region, home to many excellent wines.

The wines from Chateau Cheval Blanc along with their recent ten vintages are listed and described below.

The 2004 Chateau Cheval Blanc comes with a nose that is quite closed. It has a well-defined palate, and is medium than full-bodied, being more focused and cohesive.2003 Cheval BlancThe nose being dominated more by merlot at this stage, the 2003 Chateau Cheval Blanc apparently is a bit over-macerated with a note of hot fruits. It might lack a bit in character but the palate is pure and well knit. 2002 Cheval Blanc

The 2002 Chateau Cheval Blanc is broody and backward on the nose, and the palate has an elegant, dense savory Cabernet Franc. It is quite an excellent wine.2000 Cheval Blanc

The 2000 Chateau Cheval Blanc is another excellent wine that has an intense nose. It is real smooth with a brilliant definition with ripe tannins. It has very good acidity and great balance. 1999 Cheval BlancThe 1999 Chateau Cheval Blanc is a bit disappointing by Cheval standards, with a low intensity nose that is earthy with low vigor. It has moderate tannins and acidity, and lacks complexity though the palate is elegant. 1998 Cheval Blanc

A rich and elegant palate is what characterizes the 1998 Chateau Cheval Blanc. It is an excellent wine with an intense nose of herbs, truffles and cassis. The palate is full-bodied, backward, and dense.1997 Cheval Blanc

The 1997 Chateau Cheval Blanc has cherry and blueberry nose with a soft and supple palate because of high merlot content. Low on Cabernet Franc, it loses on the meaty edge. 1996 Cheval Blanc

The 1996 Chateau Cheval Blanc disappoints as the nose has woody, smoky scents. The palate appears not so smooth with a bit of under-ripeness on the mid-palate. Overall, it is quite an ordinary wine. 1995 Cheval Blanc

The 1995 Chateau Cheval Blanc is a great tasting wine with a nose of black cherry and minerals. The palate is harmony personified with very smooth tannins. It has a very fine definition and is a classy wine. 1994 Cheval Blanc

The 1994 Chateau Cheval Blanc has a very dark ruby color, with a little unimpressive nose. It has a well-balanced palate with dark chocolate notes. Though a fine wine, it does not measure up to the name of Cheval Blanc.